Chalcides guentheri

Chalcides guentheri, also known commonly as Günther's cylindrical skink, is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is native to the Near East.

Etymology
The specific name, guentheri, is in honor of German-born British herpetologist Albert Günther.

Geographic range
C. guentheri is found in northern Israel, southern Lebanon, extreme northwestern Jordan, and extreme southwestern Syria.

Description
C. guentheri has no limbs.

Habitat
C. guentheri is usually found in wooded or shrubby areas and cannot live in modified habitats. Members of the species may be found burrowing in grasses.

Reproduction
Sexually mature females of C. guentheri give birth to an average of three live young, by ovoviviparity.

Conservation status
C. guentheri is suffering under major habitat loss as a result of agriculture in the area, and its population is in decline. It is protected by legislation in Israel.